Motherhood

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) indicated that a woman's status is further enhanced when she becomes a mother. A man once asked him, "Who deserves the best care from me?" He replied, "Your mother". The man asked, "Then who?" He replied, "Your mother". The man asked, "Then who?" He replied, "Your mother". The man asked, "Then who?" He replied, "Then your father".

Islam has taught us the preciousness of the female at every stage of her life. A believing Muslim's, duty is to live his life in accordance with Islamic teachings, as to please the Creator. If He is pleased with you, then you will benefit, in this life and certainly in the life to come. In order to please Allah, Muslims must follow His commandments. His orders are to be kind and just to women, as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers. Muslim who seek to make their womenfolk happy may expect to earn the pleasure of Allah, and pleasing Allah is the key to Paradise.

“And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), 'Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) Goal.”

[Surah Luqman, 31:14]

Although Islam tells us to respect both parents, the mother is given precedence. For months she bears the burden in her womb, sufferings the trials of pregnancy. After the exertion of labour, she suckles the baby for up to two years. She sacrifices her own comforts for the sake of her child. So a man has to recognise, first, the rights that Allah has over him, and then the rights of his parents, especially the mother; he must worship Allah, and occupy himself in obeying and serving his parents to the best of his ability, so long as there is no disobedience to Allah, because Allah's rights are paramount. Everyone must answer to Him, so men and women alike must think of how they will answer to Him for their deeds.

Miqdam reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "O people, listen: Allah the Most High commands you to treat your mothers well. Allah the Most High commands you to be good to your mothers, and thereafter to your fathers".

Anas reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Paradise lies at the feet of mothers".

What is meant by this is that a believer may attain the pleasure of Allah, and hence Paradise, by pleasing his mother and attending to her needs. Even if one's mother is not a Muslim, one is obliged to treat her well and take care of her, so long as this does not entail any disobedience to Allah.